NEENAH, Wis. (WFRV) – In 2024, the Neenah Police Department had to say goodbye to K-9 officers Bobby and Cam.
Since then, the department has relied on neighboring agencies as needed.
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“There are times when we could use one, but there might be one working in the county currently,” said Neenah Police Department Professional Staff Capt. Thomas Van Sambeek.
But now, two years later, that’s about to change.
Last week, Capt. Van Sambeek and Officer Bryce Sweeney selected the department’s next K-9.
They chose Bo, a Belgian Malinois, who will work alongside Sweeney.
K-9 officers serve as more than just partners on patrol. They are trained tools for public safety.
“Our dogs are dual-purpose dogs, so they are used for apprehension and narcotics sniffs,” Van Sambeek said.
Bringing the program back comes at a cost, with the training and purchasing of the K-9 starting around $20,000.
That does not include needed equipment like K-9 patrol squad updates, computers and other modifications.
“The real cost is the equipment … you’re looking at $100,000 that goes into that,” Van Sambeek said.
He says the money does not come out of the city’s general budget.
“It comes from donations from our amazing community,” Van Sambeek said. “We have a K-9 trust fund that you can donate to at any time.”
Van Sambeek said this new addition would not be possible without community support.
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“It’s great when you feel that support from the community, especially with the canines,” Van Sambeek said. “It’s great to have around the police department.”
Van Sambeek said Bo is expected to start patrolling in early May.
